Lee loading dies

1Longbow · August 20, 2017, 07:54 PM

Just looking for opinions on Lee dies. They seem cheaper in price than the other brands. customer service after the purchase? Thanks for all opinions

condor bravo · August 20, 2017, 08:53 PM

I have Lee dies for a dozen or more handgun calibers and they are OK to pretty good. Bought them due to their lower price. Like others will probably report, the aluminum lock rings are not ideal and I have replaced all with steel rings. Dillon has one inch steel rings that are excellent, especially when tool head space is crowded. One problem I did have was with the plastic seating stem which eventually resulted in stripped threads. Lee replaced with an aluminum seating stem. This was some time back, I have not purchased a Lee die for quite a while, so perhaps the seating stems now are all aluminum rather than plastic, but could still be better if steel.

BBarn · August 20, 2017, 09:13 PM

I have at least three sets that I use. All were purchased at the same time. Their main selling point is that they cost less than other dies. They are usable, but there are a few things I don't like about them and I doubt I will buy any more of them. In fact, I've purposely avoided Lee dies for my more recent die purchases. For me, the lower cost doesn't sufficiently offset the negatives and lesser warranty.

Geezerbiker · August 20, 2017, 09:27 PM

I have 3 sets and all are very usable. Lee dies are a bit more plain than other brands and you need to keep wrenches in your reloading area to pull the decapper rod so you can clean the sizing die.

I tend to buy Lee when the same caliber set in RCBS is over priced. Like with the 7.5 Swiss...

Tony

condor bravo · August 20, 2017, 10:15 PM

Oh yes, as biker mentioned, that collett/friction mounted decapping stem system can become a pita now and then. But this system is intended to prevent problems but just seems to create problems you don't have with standard decapping systems so why not use the standard system with threads. Now I will admit that the last sentence makes no sense without an explanation. Sometimes the friction mounted stem will give away and it then requires recentering the stem at the proper depth in the die body, and then using two hefty wrenches to tighten the retaining nuts enough to again hold the stem in place for a while.

But the bottom line is these dies will get you through.

jpx2rk · August 21, 2017, 06:59 AM

I've got Lee & RCBS for the 2 rifle calibers I load, like them fine, but I seem to have trouble with the bullet seating die for 204R not being consistent with seating depth. I use the Lee Collet die for neck sizing the 204R cases, once you get it figured out it works good.

One guy from the local range told me to use the Lee locking nut/rings with the O ring to help center the die in the press while another told me to get rid of them and use Hornady locking ring, so it I guess it's a matter of preference & experience & results you are after.

berettaprofessor · August 21, 2017, 01:59 PM

I have all Lee dies (loading 6 different calibers) and no problems with any of them. Lee Customer Service is second to none; really top notch.

I guess it's all in the user. Plus, yes, there seems to be no plastic used today in any of the dies I've seen. And the decapper friction system is designed to keep us from breaking decapping pins. And Lee's decappers are stronger than most.

Mobuck · August 21, 2017, 02:07 PM

I own and use numerous LEE dies and consider the brand as good enough. Customer service has been quite good. I literally wore out two .223 sizer dies processing "range brass" and both were replaced w/o question.

T. O'Heir · August 21, 2017, 02:08 PM

A mentioned, Lee kit is serviceable, but low end. Warrantee is only good for 2 years. Must be of current manufacture and it'll cost you half the retail price to have 'em serviced after that. Doesn't apply to any kit you buy used.
RCBS will just fix or replace anything, even if you buy used kit. Or you caused it. Mind you, you pay for that with higher prices.

TruthTellers · August 21, 2017, 02:17 PM

I have two sets of Lee dies, .32 H&R and .45 Colt, and they work fine. The lock ring does suck, I wish they would put some knurling on them.

I think for pistol, Lee dies are great, but I get the feeling that for bottleneck rifle cartridges, they will be clearly inferior to other dies. This is just projection/speculation on my part, but I can't see how a Lee 4 die set is higher quality or better than a 3 die set that costs almost double.

roashooter · August 21, 2017, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Just looking for opinions on Lee dies. They seem cheaper in price than the other brands. customer service after the purchase? Thanks for all opinions

this is another case of ya get what ya pay for...the least expensive dies do not last a lifetime....

RCBS in 357/38s...44m/44s...45acp....45lc...9mm...380...223...308....some are decades old....have countless reloads that still mike out to specs..

jaguarxk120 · August 21, 2017, 02:23 PM

You get what you pay for!

condor bravo · August 21, 2017, 02:36 PM

Re beretta:
I'm curious though if trying to decap a Berdan primer with the Lee, would the decapping pin punch right through the primer pocket rather than collapsing the stem as intended or breaking the pin? Punching through the primer pocket of course would be OK if nothing is broken. But so far I've had more stems collapsing due to becoming loose rather than encountering a Berdan primer.

TruthTellers · August 21, 2017, 02:43 PM

OP, what cartridges are you thinking about reloading and how often do you think you'll be using the dies? If you plan to load hundreds of rounds a week for the next few years, I think you'd be better off going with Hornady or RCBS, but if you're likely only going to do a few hundred rounds a year, you can't go wrong with Lee.

reddog81 · August 21, 2017, 02:59 PM

I started with Lee, but now just buy any dies I need off eBay. A good condition set of RCBS dies will be cheaper and better.

TailGator · August 21, 2017, 03:03 PM

Quote:

I'm curious though if trying to decap a Berdan primer with the Lee, would the decapping pin punch right through the primer pocket rather than collapsing the stem as intended or breaking the pin?

Been there a small handful of times, and the pin always slipped and saved itself. Returning it to its functional position, as said, requires two wrenches and a little bit of grunting. Foul language has so far been avoided, but past performance does not guarantee future results.

**Aguila Blanca** · August 21, 2017, 03:55 PM

I have loaded many thousands of rounds of .45 ACP and lesser numbers of 9mm, .38 Super, .45 Colt, and .380 ACP -- all with Lee dies. I have had no problems with any of them. I don't know if that qualifies as a recommendation for them, but my experience certainly has not provided me any reason to recommend against them.

totalloser · August 21, 2017, 04:26 PM

^ I agree with Mr. Blanca. This mirrors my experience loading *many* thousands of rounds.

The aluminum parts do feel junky (bullet seating and lock rings) but I have not found the need to upgrade- probably because I lock them down tight in turret systems rather than relying on the o-ring to maintain depth- which incidentally, I have *zero* faith in.

I will break ranks with other posters regarding the Lee friction system though. I find it to be an *immensely* superior system when applied correctly. They have to be snugged pretty tight.

I lathe modified my station1 RCBS lube decap to accept the Lee system to eliminate constant pin breakages. Why routine breakage? Well mostly from partial auto insertion causing the pin to miss the hole- but also from the occasional berdan sneaking in.

RC20 · August 21, 2017, 04:31 PM

I for one like the rings and have used up my backlog of them I got 35 years ago. I have a bit wrench I use with them, when I put them back in they are very close if not spot on to where they were before (I do some adjusting on mine so not for all)

Most of my pistol dies are Lee.

Quote:

I tend to buy Lee when the same caliber set in RCBS is over priced. Like with the 7.5 Swiss...

I went with RCBS as they were bench rest seater type and I thought it was worth it. With groups down in the sub 1/4 MOA area I think that's proved true (custom Savage I built in 7.5)

berettaprofessor · August 21, 2017, 07:43 PM

What Tailgatir said regarding Berdan primed. I snug them pretty good but the forces of the press and strength of the case force them out anyway.

But what do I know? I even like the Lee o-rings. Just never had a die problem. None. And I guess I'm not a 100K a year reloader, but in my short reloading life, I'm over 20K.

std7mag · August 21, 2017, 08:39 PM

Hmmm,

I have Lee dies for 243 Win, 7mm-08, 7mm Rem Mag, 30-06, 9mm, 45ACP, 40 S&W, 38Spec/357Mag, 308 Win, 6.5 Rem Mag, 250 Savage.

Have loaded many rounds with Lee dies.. AKA thousands.

Just don't use them to form casings!!!

tranders · August 22, 2017, 12:08 AM

I use Lee dies for rounds I don't load very often(32 S&W long, 44 Special,and a Factory Crimp Die for 45 ACP) with no complaints. I don't have any problems with the lock rings either,but I'm loading for pistol so maybe that is the difference.

I prefer my RCBS dies,but big difference in price. On a side note, I can't stand the new RCBS lock rings and replace with old style RCBS rings or Hornady rings.

totalloser · August 22, 2017, 12:25 AM

The difference is that locking collars that actually lock can be counted on if pulled and reinstalled in the same hole. Lee O-ring collars will be close, or maybe dead on. But the key here is "maybe".

But it ain't exactly rocket science to verify depth on setup, so I see it as a minor issue, though I think it's an uphill battle to say they are equal to other positive lock systems. For me it really doesn't make any difference- because since I have turrets that sometimes might sit for a year, I am going to recheck any time I reinstall a die anyhow- after brushing off the dust, can I remember FOR SURE that it wasn't reset for a second operation in a different press or turret? I can't. So the recheck is gonna happen regardless.

But this is something to be aware of. Someone using a single stage, for instance, might really benefit from a lock collar that actually *locks* so that they can snug it in with confidence and get rolling.

BBarn · August 22, 2017, 08:00 AM

Most of my Lee dies are installed into quick change bushings. In those instances, I just flip the ring over so the o-ring side is up and tighten the die and ring against the bushing. But I don't see myself buying any more Lee die sets in the future.

Reloadron · August 22, 2017, 11:35 AM

Like most who have been reloading for a few days I have a collage of dies frequently duplicating calibers with different die manufacturers. Lee dies do generally cost less but they work. It cost more to manufacture a steel locking nut than aluminum and yes, Lee dies cost less. That does not make them an inferior die. The question in this example is does the Lee lock ring work? While I prefer other designs the Lee lock rings work fine.

All I care about is what comes out of the die and the Lee dies have worked just fine for me. Just like all the others.

Ron

August 20, 2017, 07:54 PM	#1
1Longbow Member Join Date: April 4, 2006 Posts: 43	Lee loading dies Just looking for opinions on Lee dies. They seem cheaper in price than the other brands. customer service after the purchase? Thanks for all opinions

August 20, 2017, 09:13 PM	#3
BBarn Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 2015 Posts: 887	I have at least three sets that I use. All were purchased at the same time. Their main selling point is that they cost less than other dies. They are usable, but there are a few things I don't like about them and I doubt I will buy any more of them. In fact, I've purposely avoided Lee dies for my more recent die purchases. For me, the lower cost doesn't sufficiently offset the negatives and lesser warranty. Last edited by BBarn; August 22, 2017 at 07:55 AM.

August 20, 2017, 10:15 PM	#5
condor bravo Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2014 Location: Nevada/Ariz/CA Posts: 1,753	Oh yes, as biker mentioned, that collett/friction mounted decapping stem system can become a pita now and then. But this system is intended to prevent problems but just seems to create problems you don't have with standard decapping systems so why not use the standard system with threads. Now I will admit that the last sentence makes no sense without an explanation. Sometimes the friction mounted stem will give away and it then requires recentering the stem at the proper depth in the die body, and then using two hefty wrenches to tighten the retaining nuts enough to again hold the stem in place for a while. But the bottom line is these dies will get you through. Last edited by condor bravo; August 21, 2017 at 12:14 AM.

August 21, 2017, 02:17 PM	#10
TruthTellers Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2016 Posts: 3,895	I have two sets of Lee dies, .32 H&R and .45 Colt, and they work fine. The lock ring does suck, I wish they would put some knurling on them. I think for pistol, Lee dies are great, but I get the feeling that for bottleneck rifle cartridges, they will be clearly inferior to other dies. This is just projection/speculation on my part, but I can't see how a Lee 4 die set is higher quality or better than a 3 die set that costs almost double. __________________ "We always think there's gonna be more time... then it runs out."

August 21, 2017, 02:36 PM	#13
condor bravo Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2014 Location: Nevada/Ariz/CA Posts: 1,753	Re beretta: I'm curious though if trying to decap a Berdan primer with the Lee, would the decapping pin punch right through the primer pocket rather than collapsing the stem as intended or breaking the pin? Punching through the primer pocket of course would be OK if nothing is broken. But so far I've had more stems collapsing due to becoming loose rather than encountering a Berdan primer. Last edited by condor bravo; August 21, 2017 at 02:48 PM.

August 20, 2017, 08:53 PM	#2
condor bravo Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2014 Location: Nevada/Ariz/CA Posts: 1,753	I have Lee dies for a dozen or more handgun calibers and they are OK to pretty good. Bought them due to their lower price. Like others will probably report, the aluminum lock rings are not ideal and I have replaced all with steel rings. Dillon has one inch steel rings that are excellent, especially when tool head space is crowded. One problem I did have was with the plastic seating stem which eventually resulted in stripped threads. Lee replaced with an aluminum seating stem. This was some time back, I have not purchased a Lee die for quite a while, so perhaps the seating stems now are all aluminum rather than plastic, but could still be better if steel.

August 20, 2017, 09:27 PM	#4
Geezerbiker Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Willamina, OR Posts: 1,908	I have 3 sets and all are very usable. Lee dies are a bit more plain than other brands and you need to keep wrenches in your reloading area to pull the decapper rod so you can clean the sizing die. I tend to buy Lee when the same caliber set in RCBS is over priced. Like with the 7.5 Swiss... Tony

August 21, 2017, 06:59 AM	#6
jpx2rk Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2015 Posts: 387	I've got Lee & RCBS for the 2 rifle calibers I load, like them fine, but I seem to have trouble with the bullet seating die for 204R not being consistent with seating depth. I use the Lee Collet die for neck sizing the 204R cases, once you get it figured out it works good. One guy from the local range told me to use the Lee locking nut/rings with the O ring to help center the die in the press while another told me to get rid of them and use Hornady locking ring, so it I guess it's a matter of preference & experience & results you are after.

August 21, 2017, 01:59 PM	#7
berettaprofessor Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2008 Posts: 1,091	I have all Lee dies (loading 6 different calibers) and no problems with any of them. Lee Customer Service is second to none; really top notch. I guess it's all in the user. Plus, yes, there seems to be no plastic used today in any of the dies I've seen. And the decapper friction system is designed to keep us from breaking decapping pins. And Lee's decappers are stronger than most.

August 21, 2017, 02:07 PM	#8
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	I own and use numerous LEE dies and consider the brand as good enough. Customer service has been quite good. I literally wore out two .223 sizer dies processing "range brass" and both were replaced w/o question.

August 21, 2017, 02:08 PM	#9
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	A mentioned, Lee kit is serviceable, but low end. Warrantee is only good for 2 years. Must be of current manufacture and it'll cost you half the retail price to have 'em serviced after that. Doesn't apply to any kit you buy used. RCBS will just fix or replace anything, even if you buy used kit. Or you caused it. Mind you, you pay for that with higher prices.

August 21, 2017, 02:23 PM	#12
jaguarxk120 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,620	You get what you pay for!

August 21, 2017, 02:43 PM	#14
TruthTellers Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2016 Posts: 3,895	OP, what cartridges are you thinking about reloading and how often do you think you'll be using the dies? If you plan to load hundreds of rounds a week for the next few years, I think you'd be better off going with Hornady or RCBS, but if you're likely only going to do a few hundred rounds a year, you can't go wrong with Lee. __________________ "We always think there's gonna be more time... then it runs out."

August 21, 2017, 02:59 PM	#15
reddog81 Senior Member Join Date: October 16, 2014 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,641	I started with Lee, but now just buy any dies I need off eBay. A good condition set of RCBS dies will be cheaper and better.

August 21, 2017, 03:55 PM	#17
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 18,533	I have loaded many thousands of rounds of .45 ACP and lesser numbers of 9mm, .38 Super, .45 Colt, and .380 ACP -- all with Lee dies. I have had no problems with any of them. I don't know if that qualifies as a recommendation for them, but my experience certainly has not provided me any reason to recommend against them.

August 21, 2017, 04:26 PM	#18
totalloser Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2007 Location: Fort Bragg, CA Posts: 679	^ I agree with Mr. Blanca. This mirrors my experience loading many thousands of rounds. The aluminum parts do feel junky (bullet seating and lock rings) but I have not found the need to upgrade- probably because I lock them down tight in turret systems rather than relying on the o-ring to maintain depth- which incidentally, I have zero faith in. I will break ranks with other posters regarding the Lee friction system though. I find it to be an immensely superior system when applied correctly. They have to be snugged pretty tight. I lathe modified my station1 RCBS lube decap to accept the Lee system to eliminate constant pin breakages. Why routine breakage? Well mostly from partial auto insertion causing the pin to miss the hole- but also from the occasional berdan sneaking in. __________________ You only truly believe in freedom if you believe in the freedom of those you disagree. Last edited by totalloser; August 21, 2017 at 04:34 PM.

August 21, 2017, 07:43 PM	#20
berettaprofessor Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2008 Posts: 1,091	What Tailgatir said regarding Berdan primed. I snug them pretty good but the forces of the press and strength of the case force them out anyway. But what do I know? I even like the Lee o-rings. Just never had a die problem. None. And I guess I'm not a 100K a year reloader, but in my short reloading life, I'm over 20K.

August 21, 2017, 08:39 PM	#21
std7mag Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Location: Central Taxylvania.. Posts: 3,609	Hmmm, I have Lee dies for 243 Win, 7mm-08, 7mm Rem Mag, 30-06, 9mm, 45ACP, 40 S&W, 38Spec/357Mag, 308 Win, 6.5 Rem Mag, 250 Savage. Have loaded many rounds with Lee dies.. AKA thousands. Just don't use them to form casings!!!

August 22, 2017, 12:08 AM	#22
tranders Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2001 Location: Indiana Posts: 233	I use Lee dies for rounds I don't load very often(32 S&W long, 44 Special,and a Factory Crimp Die for 45 ACP) with no complaints. I don't have any problems with the lock rings either,but I'm loading for pistol so maybe that is the difference. I prefer my RCBS dies,but big difference in price. On a side note, I can't stand the new RCBS lock rings and replace with old style RCBS rings or Hornady rings.

August 22, 2017, 12:25 AM	#23
totalloser Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2007 Location: Fort Bragg, CA Posts: 679	The difference is that locking collars that actually lock can be counted on if pulled and reinstalled in the same hole. Lee O-ring collars will be close, or maybe dead on. But the key here is "maybe". But it ain't exactly rocket science to verify depth on setup, so I see it as a minor issue, though I think it's an uphill battle to say they are equal to other positive lock systems. For me it really doesn't make any difference- because since I have turrets that sometimes might sit for a year, I am going to recheck any time I reinstall a die anyhow- after brushing off the dust, can I remember FOR SURE that it wasn't reset for a second operation in a different press or turret? I can't. So the recheck is gonna happen regardless. But this is something to be aware of. Someone using a single stage, for instance, might really benefit from a lock collar that actually locks so that they can snug it in with confidence and get rolling. __________________ You only truly believe in freedom if you believe in the freedom of those you disagree.

August 22, 2017, 08:00 AM	#24
BBarn Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 2015 Posts: 887	Most of my Lee dies are installed into quick change bushings. In those instances, I just flip the ring over so the o-ring side is up and tighten the die and ring against the bushing. But I don't see myself buying any more Lee die sets in the future.

August 22, 2017, 11:35 AM	#25
Reloadron Senior Member Join Date: June 8, 2016 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Suburbs Posts: 1,754	Like most who have been reloading for a few days I have a collage of dies frequently duplicating calibers with different die manufacturers. Lee dies do generally cost less but they work. It cost more to manufacture a steel locking nut than aluminum and yes, Lee dies cost less. That does not make them an inferior die. The question in this example is does the Lee lock ring work? While I prefer other designs the Lee lock rings work fine. All I care about is what comes out of the die and the Lee dies have worked just fine for me. Just like all the others. Ron